Page 2. Farming Express

UK based milking equipment manufacturer, Fullwood Limited, has today launched an all-new version of its class-leading Merlin automated milking system. Featuring integrated segregation gates and a completely redesigned teat cup attachment arm, the robot sets a new standard in efficient, ergonomic and environmentally friendly milk production.

The latest incarnation of Fullwood’s robotic milking machine – the Fullwood M2erlin – is a completely new machine, redesigned from the ground up to deliver significant benefits in terms of milking efficiency, cow flow and milk integrity.It features a unique twin-exit gate configuration which enables the milking machine to act as a segregation gate: the robot’s herd management software controls where each individual animal is directed after being milked, with cows exiting via either a side gate or straight ahead once the feed manger has automatically lifted out of the way.By eliminating the need for additional segregation gates, the Fullwood M2erlin requires less space and is more cost-effective to install than more traditional, modular systems. It is also available in either a side or

straight entry configuration to further add to its flexibility and space-saving credentials.The M2erlin also features an all-electric milking arm that significantly reduces energy usage for teat cup attachment compared to previous robots and has fewer parts for improved reliability and serviceability.“The Fullwood M2erlin is a completely new machine,” explains David O’Hare, Chief Executive of Fullwood Limited. “Despite being revolutionary in its design, it is nevertheless 100% compatible with our older robots and can therefore be incorporated into existing farm set-ups.”Designed with efficiency, safety and economics in mind, the new milking arm does away with out-dated pneumatic and hydraulic drives and replaces these with energy efficient electric motors. This not only makes the M2erlin virtually silent, but also significantly reduces energy consumption, and improves animal comfort and safety.The new milking arm also enhances Fullwood’s market-leading cluster attachment speed and offers unrivalled levels of cluster attachment accuracy. It is also extremely robust, enabling it to cope with the rigours of continuous

milking, and includes force sensing technology which prevents damage or injury to both machine and animal.As well as an all-new physical design, the new M2erlin also features several key operating software upgrades which improve and simplify herd management protocols. These include the installation of Fullwood’s recently launched MerlinView software, which simplifies the data available to herd managers by collating a series of key performance indicators (KPIs). Information such as individual cow milking data, cow activity, milk components, overall herd performance, bulk tank capacity and cleaning parameters are summarised and displayed in an easy to view format on a single computer display screen. The new software can also be viewed via a smartphone or tablet application making it possible for herd managers to keep a close eye on their herd’s live performance status from any remote location. “The M2erlin is a significant step forwards in terms of milking technology and marks an important chapter in Fullwood’s history,” Mr O’Hare continues. “Whilst the outgoing Merlin is widely regarded as the market-leading automatic milking system, the new robot builds on its reputation for reliability, speed of milking and efficiency, and applies new technologies to reach a new pinnacle in automated milking. The end result is a revolutionary and cutting-edge robot, ready to meet the demanding challenges of next generation dairy farming.”As well as the all-new milking arm, the M2erlin also utilizes a new crate design which enables cows of all sizes and breeds to be comfortably and safely milked through one standard machine. The new machine also features a number of additional fail-safes to protect the quality and integrity of the milk and comes as standard with Fullwood’s new Herd Management Interface (HMI).“The new HMI enables farmers to access key cow data and milk production records from a full-size touch-screen display mounted on the robot’s housing,” Mr O’Hare adds. “As such, information such as milk flow rate, milk yield, heat activity and real time milk quality can now be accessed from the machine itself without having to consult the farm’s main computer. That allows the robot’s operator to keep a closer eye on each cow’s performance and to investigate any potential management concerns as she is being milked.”The new Fullwood M2erlin is available in three specifications:

All new Fullwood robot raises the standard in automated milking

from the entry-level M2 Essential, to the mid-range M2 Extended and advanced M2 Expert. Each version is available with a different range of features, ensuring there is a Fullwood M2erlin to suit every herd’s specific requirements.The M2 Essential features a straight exit gate only and comes equipped with one feed inlet. Meanwhile, the M2 Extended and M2 Expert are both equipped with twin-exit gates and are available with inlets for up to three feedstuffs plus a fourth liquid feed. They are also equipped as standard with FullQuest – Fullwood’s 4-quarter conductivity sensor – for an early warning of intra-mammary infection (mastitis). Both are also available with an acid cluster flush system which rinses the teat liners with a solution of peracetic acid after each milking to prevent the spread of mastitis and other contagious diseases from one cow to the next.The M2 Expert is also fitted with Fullwood’s CrystaLab technology which uses an in-line sensor to monitor fat, protein, lactose and blood levels in real-time as the cow is being milked, thereby giving an early indication of any underlying health or feeding issues.The new machine has been designed in-house by Fullwood’s mechanical and electrical engineers who have developed and tested the M2erlin. The new machines are manufactured and assembled at Fullwood’s Grange Road premises in Ellesmere, Shropshire, ensuring that spares and all the technical assistance required by the company’s British customers are easily accessible.

The new Fullwood M2erlin robot will be on display at the following

events this autumn:

AgriscotWednesday 19th November 2014

The Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston,

Edinburgh.Royal Ulster Winter Fair:

Thursday 11th December 2014King’s Hall Pavilions, Balmoral,

Belfast.

Smallholders ReviewFarming Express. Page 3

Page 4. Farming Express

Wood Fuels

Farming Express. Page 5

Agricultural VacancyWood Fuels

Are you looking for that practical present for Christmas? The Grub’s Iceline ladies boots are comfortable, warm and hardwearing that are sure to be a hit this winter. The Iceline 8.5 boots are high quality neoprene boots that are designed with the latest technology. They are designed with extra thermal properties including a Highloft fleece lining to keep feet warm and dry on cold and frosty days. Practical for most working conditions or leisure activities, these boots are great for mucking out down at the stables, walking across muddy fields with the dogs or the horses or even a spot of gardening. The Iceline boots combine the unique Insu-

Foam Ultra™ technology with the 8.5 thermal engineering, making them extremely practical with their insulating and waterproof properties. They have excellent grip with a Trax sole and cushioning heel and foot bed provide supreme comfort.The Iceline boots also boast the latest high specification including a Super-Dri™ lining for breathable fit that helps to regulate temperature so your feet remain comfortable all day.In colours Heather or Navy, the Iceline boots are available in UK ladies sizes 4-8 and retail at around £79.90.For more information contact Grub’s on 01279 418052 or visit www.work-lite.com

Perfect Practical Presents from Grub’sPolaris, the world number one in All-Terrain Vehicles, has teamed up with the Ulster Farmers’ Union to offer 5% discount off all Polaris ATV and Ranger utility models. “I am very pleased,” says Derek Lough, Membership Director of the UFU, “that once again UFU have been able to link up with a company like Polaris who have a proven track record in the industry to offer a great deal for our members. In today’s farming climate it is vital that farmers get as much value for money wherever possible and this is another great opportunity to do so”The new partnership offers UFU members with membership of three months and over a substantial saving on the price of Polaris 4x4 vehicles. “This is a great opportunity for Polaris and the UFU to work together in members’ interests” says Polaris’ Marketing Specialist Sarah Johnson. “Any members interested in benefitting from

the 5% discount should contact their local UFU office for a voucher and tell their Polaris dealer they wish to use the UFU affinity programme at the start of their purchase.” While the scheme does not include sport, leisure or youth vehicles, Polaris offers the widest range of utility ATVs and UTVs including the recently introduced and revolutionary, Sportsman ACE which combines an ATV with the security and comfort of a side by side. The affinity programme is available through all Polaris dealers in Northern Ireland and members should contact their nearest dealer for further details or see the range at www.polaris-britain.com

Polaris and UFU team up for 5% discount

Page 6. Farming Express

Farming Express. Page 7

Page 8. Farming Express

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Signs of good health:gloucester_old_spotA healthy pig is a lively, active and interested animal Good appetite Soundness, no limping or signs of discomfort Joining in with ‘the gang’, a pig on its own in a corner is not a healthy pig Bright, clear eyes, no discharge Moist muzzle, no discharge Firm droppings Good skin condition, no scabs or continual scratching Haired breeds should have smooth, lustrous coats No coughs or sneezes Expect your pig to spend 70-80% of the time lying or sleeping, the rest of the time they should be active, exploring or rootingEstablish your daily / weekly / monthly / yearly routine:Visit your pigs at least twice a day, preferably same time each day Feed & top up drinking water, and make sure each pig gets its ration Do a quick ‘all’s well’ check Check fencing, especially electric fencing which can easily ‘short out’ Clean feed troughs and drinkers Keep up-to-date with worming and vaccinationsCare in warm weatherAs the weather gets warmer, make sure

your pigs have shade at all times – a hot pig is not a happy pig! The white-skinned breeds can also suffer very badly from sunburn if they have no shade Keep pens and runs clean to deter flies In addition to clean drinking water (a pig will need up to 10 litres of water per day) try to provide a ‘wallow’ for your pigs, not only does this help them keep cool, but the mud also acts as a ‘sun block’ In addition to their pelleted ration of feed, pigs will enjoy a wide range of fruit and veg to supplement their diet and provide a bit of culinary interest! Remember, it is illegal to feed any kitchen waste to pigs Pigs are intelligent, playful animals – so provide them with safe toys: balls, skittles, traffic cones and pipes will all provide hours of fun! Old tyres are popular but may contain hazardous wire. A broom head fixed to a wall will provide a welcome scratching place.Care in cold weatherCheck the pig’s housing and make sure it’s completely waterproof, a wet pig can quickly become chilled Site the entrance to the pig ark (or house) away from the prevailing wind You can make a simple ‘porch’ to the ark using straw bales to either side with a sheet of plywood lashed on top – this will help keep a dry area at the entrance and help prevent bedding getting wet Pigs will keep warm if they have a dry, deep straw bed, so make sure you have plenty of bedding ready for colder weather – especially as straw is likely to be scarce and expensive this winter Keep pens, housing and runs clean to deter pests Pigs will not normally soil their bedding, so should only need a full

clean-out about every 3-4 weeksFeedingFeeding in WinterAs the weather gets colder, your pigs’ energy requirement will increase, as they need more energy to keep warm. Regularly monitor their level of ‘fitness’ by condition scoring, and increase their feed intake to maintain a condition score of 3 – 3.5. Fish oils are excellent for providing slow-release energy with the added advantage of a high level of omega-3. In addition to their pelleted ration of feed, pigs will enjoy a wide range of fruit and veg to supplement their diet and provide a bit of culinary interest! Remember, it is illegal to feed any kitchen waste to pigs Hopefully you’ll have managed to store some APPLES from this year’s bumper harvest, they will be relished by your pigs, but have little food value so ensure they don’t ignore their usual rations in favour of the apples. As winter deepens, you can add some cod-liver oil to the pigs’ ration (no more than half a teaspoon per day for a young pig) – this contains the two ‘sunshine’ vitamins: A and D. Feeding in AutumnNow autumn is here I’ve been asked by a lot of people about whether it is safe to feed ACORNS to pigs. Traditionally, in forest areas, pigs are released into the woods for ‘autumn pannage’, to eat the various autumn nuts. In fact, acorns, whilst being poisonous to ruminants and horses, constitute a very nutritious addition to the pig’s diet but should never be fed to in-pig sows. They’re best dried for 6-8 weeks before feeding

up to half a kilo to baconers and a kilo to suckling sows and adult boars. Being largely a carbohydrate food, overfeeding will cause constipation; a plentiful supply of water will help mitigate this potential effect. BEECH MAST (limited nutritional value) and CHESTNUTS can also be fed to pigs in small quantities – up to half a kilo for baconers – but do NOT feed to in-pig sows APPLES, including windfalls, are now plentiful and will be relished by your pigs, but have little food value so ensure they don’t ignore their usual rations in favour of the apples. Pigs will also enjoy ROSEHIPS – a rich source of Vitamin C, and HAWS – both in small quantities (no more than a small handful). As winter approaches, you can add some cod-liver oil to the pigs’ ration (no more than half a teaspoon per day for a young pig) – this contains the two ‘sunshine’ vitamins: A and D.

Basic Principles of Rearing and Management of Pigs

Page 10. Farming Express

Poultry 2014

PRODUCERS REQUIREDACROSS ALL OF EAST ANGLIA

Here at Bird Bros we’re very keen to only serve our customers the bestquality eggs we possibly can. We only source our free range eggs fromfarmers who share our commitment and dedication towards producing thefreshest and safest eggs they possibly can.

For over 40 years, Bird Bros have been producing and supplying the highestquality eggs at affodable prices direct to retailers, caterers and wholsesalersthroughout the UK.

We’re always looking to expand our free range egg sales and are keen tobuild mutually profitable long term partnerships with independent freerange egg producers.

We offer competitive prices and regular payments terms to ensure yourcashflow keeps flowing.

If you are interested in working with a long established family-run business,then please contact either Matthew or Stuart Bird on

01480 861 230 or email us at producers@birdbroseggs.co.uk

Farming Express. Page 11

Crop Ventiation

At the first sign of icy conditions the increasingly popular practice of spraying brine solution comes into its own. An excellent alternative to salt and grit spreading, brine is easily applied with the SnowEx VSS liquid de-icing system. Currently there are two models available, the VSS-1000 and VSS-2000. The smallest, in the shape of the VSS-1000 has a 378 litre tank capacity and a 30m heavy-duty hose and lance fitted as standard. It’s ideal for use with pick-up trucks and flat beds or it can be easily mounted on a trailer, offering a versatile and adaptable system for all liquid de-icing materials. There are spray nozzles mounted in the boom offering single jet, triple jet or wide fan spraying with zone spraying control. You choose any combination of boom, left or right kerb and there is an

optional spray lance. The spray width is up to 1.8m and power is reliable 12v with digital control. The VSS-1000 is ideal for councils and contractors applying brine in sensitive and hard to reach places. Contractors carrying out de-icing work on a larger scale will benefit from the larger VSS-2000 with its huge 757 litre tank. Mounted on pick-ups and flat bed trucks, there are baffles in the tank to prevent liquid unsettling the balance of the vehicle. The spray width is up to 7.6 metres. Wessex International: 01264345870 www.wessexintl.com

The SnowEx liquid de-icing system

Spraying brine has become an increasingly popular and easy method of ice and snow ice control. Ideal for paths, pedestrian walkways and other areas with restricted vehicular access. Brine has many advantages over spreading granular salt. It is effective quickly as salt needs to attract moisture before it will start to work and brine is clean in operation, particularly in retail shopping areas, where it will not get carried by foot into shops like salt. The ideal way to spray is using an ATV or UTV mounted sprayer. The Wessex ATV brine sprayer has a specialist 1 ½ metre boom featuring 3 individual clusters of nozzles for varying applications. The 55 litre tank will hold enough brine to cover 1250 square metres or 1.5 metres width over a 1 kilometre

distance. A key feature over this area is that only a fraction of the amount will be used in caparison to a conventional solid salt spreader. The choice of nozzles depends on conditions. The pencil jet nozzle gives a high pressure jet of brine which is for treating compacted ice. The jet will penetrate the surface of the ice, speeding up the melting process. The fan nozzle gives a fine even spray over the area and is ideal for applications in light snow and frosty conditions. With brine pre-treatment, when the frost or the snow comes, the brine is already on the ground and even if the water has evaporated there is still a salt present which will reduce the ice factor. There is a five jet nozzle for this purpose and there’s an added bonus. If an area has been pre-treated before a heavy fall of snow, the snow ploughing operation is far cleaner as the surface of the ground will not be frozen. With the Wessex ATV brine sprayer there is also a hand lance always in readiness for treatment of areas such as narrow paths, steps and doorways.

Wessex International: 01264 345870 www.wessexintl.com

Ice and easy

Pets & Vets ReviewPage 12. Farming Express